Rama de Ma Monserrate "Oba Tero"

Rama de Ma Monserrate "Oba Tero"

Mama Monserate Gonzalez was originally from Egbado, a city, which was part of the Oyo Empire (what we now call Yorubaland) and where most of our ceremonial rituals come from. Monserate was crowned with Chango and named Oba Tero. She was brought to Havana Cuba in the 1840s during the slave trade but did not function as a slave. Because of her royal status in Egbado; she was bought out of slavery by those slaves loyal to her.

Oba Tero functioned as an Oriate and about 1873 moved to the Las Alturas de Simpson, which is located in the providence of Matanazas. There, she join the Cabildo Santa Barbara, which was operated by one of the first Babalaos brought to Cuba; Remingo Herreria Adeshina. Adeshina had his Cabildo more inclined to Ifa, which is normal for the Babalaos to do with their Iles. But when Oba Tero joined the Cabildo, the first thing she did was to have the Bata Drums play in a Tambor de Fundamento in honor of Chango. This was the first time the Bata played in Matanzas. From that point on, Oba Tero was the main Oriate of the Cabildo to the time of her death in 1903.

Oba Tero is responsible for many things in our religion. She is partially responsible for bringing the Asiento or Kariocha ceremony, as we know it today, to Cuba. She is partially responsible for the joining of Ifa and Ocha adherents in Cuba. She taught the Arara the art of diloggun divination, which they did not have. In return, the Arara taught Oba Tero the secrets of Babalu Aye and Olokun, which we all have or can benefit from. She came from Africa with the knowledge of uncommon Orichas such as: Yewa, Oduduwa, Boromu and Brosia.

In John Masons book Olokun you will find a picture of Oba Tero and Adeshina.

Oba Tero an Oriate of few words but great knowledge. Please remember her in your mojuba to Eggun.

Maferefun Oba Tero.

P.S. If I am in error above please come to my rescue.

Obalorun Ala Aganju -Regla was also the home, of Eo Remigio Herrera- Adesina Ifarola (the crown opens the way; supports honor) an Ijesa/Iyesa who came to Cuba as a Captive. There is a photo of Adesina that clearly shows the scar marks (Ila) on his cheeks.

According to John Mason in Olookun, God of rivers and seas Eo Remigio Herrera- Adesina Ifarola lived 64 Perdomo Street. Perdomo Street runs right down near to the Bay of Havana where the Church of the Virgin of Regla is. Eo Remigio Herrera- Adesina Ifarola is credited with being the Babalawo who brought Ifa to Cuba.

Adesina, who was also a priest of Yemonja, was one of the founders of the Lukumi Cabildo, Yemonja. His wife Panchita Herrera- Atibola (we are supported by acts of' respect) was a priest of Yemonja.

Their daughter, Josefa Herrera (Pepa), was a very famous priest of Elegba. Pepa Esu Bi (Eshu is born), was initiated by the Yemonja priest, Yen Ye T'olokun, who lived on Moralz Street is reputed to have brought Olokun to Regla. Eo Remigio Herrera (Adesina Ifarola) initiated Eworio Rodriguez (Tata Gaitn), (Ifa name, Apari), into Ifa. Tata Gaitn was a priest of Ososi before "passing to Ifa." Eworio Rodriguez, Tata Gaitn, was renown for his knowledge of Olokun and was the last one to dance the mask of Olokun in a festival. My Padrino in Obe told me and John Mason has it in his book on Olokun that Tata Gaitn died shortly after dancing the mask for Olokun and it was never danced again.

Monserate Gonzalez, Obatero established worship of Olokun the City of Matanzas, from from the Egbado Region of Ile Lukumi. My Abure and Ojubona in Kariocha John Mason writes about this on page 26 of Olookun, but does not mention a stop over in the Regla/Havana area. It was Monserate Gonzalez, Obatero who completed the initaition of Fermina Gomez. Fermina Gomez, Osa Bi according to John Mason was to be made an Olo Osun but Yemonja claimed her in the Parada and Monserate Gonzalez, Obatero had to finish the Kariocha because her original Godparent had prohibition against making Yemonja's. Matanzas was also the home of Fermina Gomez and her rather extensive blood and Ocha family. Osa Bi another pillar of Aborisa tradition and who later came to be known as the "Queen of Olokun. Pages 26 and 27 of Olookun, God of rivers and seas give a lot of history of both Fermina Gomez and Monserate Gonzalez, Obatero. There is even mention of a connection to Josefa Herrera, Pepa Esu Bi The daughter of Eo Remigio Herrera- Adesina Ifarola and Panchita Herrera- Atibola.

Could the members that know their lineage write it so we can all learn different lineages. It is also good for those that don't know, especially for their mojuba, and they can put in the missing Olorishas Ibae in their Rama.

Here is mine:

Teresita Ariosa (Oshun Funke) of Cabildo San Jose 80 (Habana), made or gave several orishas to

Posts: 4(5/13/03 1:06 pm)Reply Re: Lineages Bendicin Maria: I will continue my lieage from the one you alredy posted.We came from the same branch is only in Jose "Pata de Palo" where the difference begin.- Jose Pata de Palo" Urquiola (also) made- Aurora Lamar, ObbaTola (some say she was Jimagua in Santo with Alicia Ardache). She made- Consuelo Rodrguez, Okufomito, she also was called Consuelo Chantecl. She made- Alfredo Sotolongo, Aromidara, he was called Comparsa la Boyera. He made- =real name I dont have it=, Ochn Gere, she was called Yeyita. She made- Jorge Iturralde, Salako, he is my grandgodfather. He made- Paul Silverio, Ewinmade. He made me

I hope this helps a little....iyawo sebastian

oyafefeLCO Member

Posts: 15(5/13/03 3:04 pm)Reply Re: Lineages Bendicion/Emi Agbe,Can anyone tell me who made Marina Sardina of San Jose 80? I would wait until I went back to Cuba to find out- but since everyone is on the topic.... ~Iyawo Ade Irawo

Odedei939LCO Member

Posts: 57(5/14/03 12:56 pm)Reply Re: Lineages Oku O Igboro.

Could it be Maria Sardina Olo-Obatala?

oyafefeLCO Member

Posts: 16(5/14/03 5:43 pm)Reply Re: Lineages Emi Agbe Odedei,Looks like it. She would be my great grandmother in Ocha (ibae). I would have to make a phone call to make sure-She made Laura Herrera- Okochade (ibae) and she made Alejandrina Thompson- Ibu Koromi and she made me Alicia Bracy-Cruz- Ade Irawo.Modupe for any info.

Yaya Ocean CholaLCO Member

Posts: 13(5/15/03 4:59 pm)Reply Re: Lineages Alafia!

I have to agree with Eshu Tolu Oshungere, you brought tears to my eyes laughing You really crack me upLove you to bits though:

Odedei939LCO Member

Posts: 61(5/15/03 10:30 pm)Reply Re: Lineages Oku O Igboro.

I'm glad some of you find this funny. Actually, I was hoping for information to help those that do not know their lineage.

My mistake.

TitanicRLCO Member

Posts: 4(5/16/03 8:52 am)Reply Re: Lineages Alafia Odedei

I do not think your post is funny at all. It is a very important part of our rama's history to know. I am Fuche Ati Keke...............I have the full lineage of my ancestors from my elders. And proud to have it.

I have heard of the Pimientas and the Trapitos, but never Culo Verde.

With all respect to all of the majores, whoever does know of these lineageas should be teaching them.

Don't they have the bible who start with Adam and Eve?

Good Luck Odedei, Oshun bless you in your mission.

Odedei939LCO Member

Posts: 62(5/16/03 10:48 am)Reply Re: Lineages Oku O Igboro.

This is my point TitanicR, you know your whole lineage, therefore please share it with us. Why? Because there are others out there that may belong to your lineage and not know it. This is my point. There are so many that have no idea. The importance of this is for the mojuba to your ancestors.

Los Culo Verdes were named like this because Polo Gonzalez - Oshaweye, who was a Pimienta and Oriate, began to crown people that were openly gay during a very conservative time in Cuba, the 1940's. Because of this, they targeted Oshaweye and named his godchildren; Los Culo Verdes. Most people in this rama say they are Pimienta, which in a way is correct because they decend from Jose "Pata de Palo" Urquiolla so it is acceptable. But in every new lineage there are 3 factors; 1) the founder has knowledge and Obe, 2) the person has +25 godchildren and 3) the person has done something to create change in the system. Like los Trapitos, Los Madrugas, La Pimienta. These ramas decend from but are not attached to Cabildos.

Apon Lazaro Ros Olo-Oggun of Cuba and Oriate Antonio Carmona of Brooklyn N.Y. are of Los Culo Verde. Both crowned by Polo

Thanks for the support.

Edited by: Odedei939 at: 5/21/03 7:52:50 pm

baba7311LCO Member

Posts: 5(5/16/03 1:56 pm)Reply Re: Lineages Bendicin Mara:I have this question, being oriate is something very important in our religion.But as Oriate you work with babalawos or you do all by yourself?iyawo

Edited by: baba7311

OshunguereLCO WebmasterPosts: 229

Reply Re: Lineages Dios lo bendiga Jesus

oreyeyeoLCO Member

Posts: 25Reply Re: Lineages Alafia!First off, many blessings to Oshunguere on your birthday, may river barges loaded up with blessings of long life, health, wealth and love pull up to your door daily!

It's not so funny, this business of not knowing your lineage even though I did have to laugh at some of the comments! I had to do the research after I made ocha because no one told me! Lucky for me TEMMAR pointed out the critical importance of this. And I found out that although I am of the "Caucasian persuasion" my lineage passes thru Oyotunji Village, making my grandfather in ocha Baba Osergieman Adefunmi I, since the Oluwo at my initiation was Baba Medahochi. That makes me "half Lukumi" LOL, also through my ajubona Oshunnikantomi Egbeninhun Ajoke. The other side is Ode Remo lineage through the Fatunmise family; my madrina is Aboyade of Chicago. Both Lukumi and Nigerian initiated orisha priests worked my initiation. Needless to say this did not take place in NYC!

I would like to Dedicate this posting to pay Tribute and Honor to an outstanding woman "Chicha" (Omiero)This is the line of "Chicha",(Angelina Urquizar) the woman who rents the basement where so many ceremonies have taken place on Bronx River Parkway (Bronx, NYC).

Lets send our Regards out To Oriate Guillermo Diago Oba bi who was a oriate the worked a lot on the east coast and abroad.who passed this morning may he rest in peace Iba E layen T'orun !

Eshu ToluLCO Member

Posts: 68(5/25/03 8:35 pm)Reply The Line of Olo Chango Margie Quinones Alafia!Can anyone share info on the line of my Ocha grandma, Olo Chango Margie Quinones? I believe she was the first African American to make Ocha in the United States. This info will help all to fill in some of the gaps of Susana Cantero's descendants. I can mention some names, but my accuracy would be in question, and my memory needs a jump start. She passed in the late 1980's as did others who played major roles in my Ocha life such as my Padrino in Ifa, Pancho Mora; my ajubonn Noel Reyes-Diaz; and Hereberto Dalmas (Oba Towa) who did my Ita and passed not long after my iyaworage ended in 1984 or 1985, if I remember correctly. I remember visiting him in the hospital with Noel. My early Olorisha years were a very sad time.

Modupe,Eshu Tolu

P.S. Thanks to the informative tributes "Egun" posted on this treasure of a web site I can begin to put the puzzle together!

Efushe Warikondo took over San Jose 80 in the 1840's. She crowned many, which started their own line. Most if not all the Havana lineages decend from her. The major ones are Los Millionarios, San Lorenzo, San Jose 80 and Ewinyimies. La Pimienta also has some roots in her.

But it is good to have friends in Heaven. Fela Mendez is a wonderful lady, she is my visabuelo Orlando's ayugbonna and she is a true pioneer of our traditions. She tells wonderful stories if you sit down with her.

Ochun Kofa De

yemmu5LCO Member

Posts: 2(6/12/03 12:51 am)Reply Re: Rama "Piraa" Bendicion to all the elders, by the way I am from the Rama de Pirana too. I finally meet some of my people to.:13yrs ago(Ochun) and my god mother passed away a few years ago. But it does not finish there. She kept my Book and shells.Her daughter,my godbrother and sister are made of me for leaving the house 8 yrs ago. Her daughter know where my stuff is but does not what to return MY things to me.All I know was that she lived in P. Rico after losing her house. I had to receive Knife and receive a new book and shell. But what bothers me the most is when I asked her to get me my things back, she told me for what because I have a new book and shell and before she die, told her daughter not to give it to me. And her daughter is also a daughter of Ochun like me. (OCHUN-ATARE)

Odedei939LCO Member

Posts: 139(6/26/03 10:23 pm)Reply Re: Rama "Piraa" Oku O Igboro.

I think La Piraa decends from La Pimienta and this lineage began in N.Y.C. in the 1960's. Could someone confirm this?

Odabo,Odedei

Rama "Los trapitos"

MrOshunLCO Member

Posts: 7(8/24/02 3:10 am)Reply Rama "Los Trapitos" I wanted to know if anyone on this list has any information on the branch of Lucumi known as "Los Trapitos"? I would like more information on this branch...

Odabo.

Edited by: DadaChango69 at: 5/27/03 1:27:30 pm

Alufina KakeLCO Member

Posts: 36(8/25/02 1:30 am)Reply trapatitos the only thing i know that sets this branch apart from others is that during the ocha ceremony, when the orishas are presented to the yawos head, the otases are covered in a white cloth instead of being put in a sopera.

La China was from San Jose 80, Pimienta came after when she crowned Jose "Pata de Palo" Urquiola - Eshu Bi.

The Trapitos started in the early 1940's. The one who started the trapitos (I forgot the name) was crowned by Aurora Lamar who was a Pimienta. She was crowned about 1925 by Jose Pata de Palo Urquiola who stared La Pimienta.

In Miami there is a female Oriate called Adelfa "Ambiro" Terran - Ewin Kolade that is at least 60 in Ocha. She is from "Los Trapitos" and one of the first decendants of this lineage.

Posts: 6(8/9/02 12:59 pm)Reply Rama "Susana Cantero": el Encaje y el Coral It would be great if we can start an Ocha family tree.

I personally, started doing my own. If anyone comes from the Susana Cantero (Lace and Coral/el encaje y el coral) lineage, please write back to me with your name/your elders name (ocha names also) and so on, so I can incorporate it into my family tree.

If anyone is interested in knowing my family tree history - here it is:

I'm still trying to squeeze this information out of Padrino. OSHUNGUERE! HELLOOO! What is the lineage of Efunshe? Huh?!

Ali

"Sharing is the secret to true abundance" -- Obara Meyi

OlokunsBabyChildLCO Member

Posts: 18(1/24/03 11:57 am)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE My Babalawo, seems to spoon feed these to me. He says that when I land an Ile, that I will know their stuff. I was like... Ohhhhh Okay. GRRR!

olomide77LCO Member

Posts: 6(1/29/03 12:47 am)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE Hello DADACHANGO

I just got on for the first time in about a month. How are you.

I'm not familiar with that branch, so I guess you might have to wait for Padrino to fill you in. By the way we are having a tambor for Chango this Sunday Feb. 2nd. I'm going to try posting all the info no later than tommorow.

I'm glad I read about it today... will definitely head to the Barrio on the 2nd for that one. Ali

"Sharing is the secret to true abundance" -- Obara Meyi

baba7311LCO Member

Posts: 1(1/31/03 11:55 am)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE Hi Im new here just got the aut to join, but I have some names to fill your tree, please write me to baba7311@yahoo.com.mxhave a nice day:

Odedei939LCO Member

Posts: 2(2/15/03 10:23 pm)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE Alafia Igboro

Susana Cantero's lineage is call Ewinyimi. Coral and Encaje were nicknames. Susana only had about 20 direct godchild. But she was made by Andrea Trujillo - Ewin Yimi. Andrea Trujillo was made be Rosalia Gramosa - Efushe Worikondo. Rosalia was from Egbado royalty, she arrived in Cuba in 1840's and is the foundation or tree to many lineage or branches. One of Susana's godchildren was Maria Ponce - Chango Funke.

Take care.

olomide77LCO Member

Posts: 10(2/19/03 12:14 pm)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE Hi,

Regarding how many godchildren Susan crowned, I just want to clarify that she crowned more than 20 people. As a matter of fact, according to my mother who got a chance to know Susana very well, she told me that Susana crowned more than 100 people.

Regards,

Olomide

baba7311LCO Member

Posts: 2(2/19/03 12:16 pm)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE Bendicion Olomide77 and Odedei939:Could you post some names of Susanas Lineage, I mean goldhilds, elders, youngers, more names to complete the information I alredy have and also want to share with you.BTW is Rosalia GRamos, Rosalia Abreo or Victoriana Rosalia, beacse these three names correspond to a woman called Efunshe Wari Kon Dohave a nice daysebastian

Posting my family tree cause I am proud of it, there is always some scuttlebutt about Efunshe(she either had made Ochosi, Obatala, Yewa, depends on whose telling story) her real name is Na. Rosalia Granosa and which one of the the Trujillo sister's got made first, and which one crwoned which, but my visabuelo Orly (Baba Funke) swears by this, so who am I to argue? No matter what, i thank them all!

Ochun Kofa de, with all due respect, Efushe Warikondo did crown the Trujillo sisters, but your listing gives the impression that Andrea was crowned by Arabia. Arabia by Maria Trujillo. Then Maria by Efushe

Susana may have had 100 godchildren in the religious sense (eleke, addimu orisha, as an Ojibonna) But directly crowned by her; I still think it was about 20. Remember she was crowned about 1900 and died 1948. During this time frame there was not as many kariochas like there are now. Especially during the Presidential terms of Zayas and Machado.

What's interesting is that Norberto Acuna (iba e) also crowned Isabelita "El Abuelito del Cerro" (a famous spirit that posseses her) and is still alive at about 95 years old in Lawton Habana.

Posts: 12(2/21/03 12:23 pm)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE I have some more information on who Susana Cantero crowned:

1. My grandmother, Esperanza Rodriguez (known as Esperanzita la del lunal,Yemaya, Olomide) when she was 21 years old (in 1923). 2. She also crowned my great-great grandmother, Patricia Martinez (Yemaya, Omi Niki). 3. Teresa Cubillas (Obatala) was another one she crowned, who in turn crowned by godfather, Pablo Mora Martinez (Obatala, Eguilade), Susana was his oyubana.4. Isora, I don't have her last name (the only Elegua she crowned). 5. Susana's grandaughter (I don't have her name) and her niece known as La Negrita.

Note: My grandmother and my great-great grandmother washed the Orishas for Pancho Mora, (who was my great-great grandmother's brother-in-law). As everyone knows, Pancho was the first babalawo that came to New York city in the 1940's. My grandmother (Esperanzita la del Lunal) was the first santera in the late 1940's that came to New York to work the religion along Pancho Mora. She also crowned Chango to William Rosa (who was Puerto Rican, known as Willito, in the early 1950's in Cuba).

Regards,

Olomide

Ochun Kofa DeLCO Member

Posts: 61(2/21/03 3:44 pm)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE Abures:

Thank you for the tips. Some of this info is very hard to verify, since, almost everyone on the list is ibae. I dont know who crowned who, or even if I have some names up at the top in the right order, but that is the way it was given to me.

About the Ochuns crowning the Changos. Even though it has been done up and down in my line. I personally will not, forbidden by my odu, plus, I just don't think it is a good idea .

Ochun Kofa De

Odedei939LCO Member

Posts: 14(2/21/03 10:15 pm)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE Alafia Members.

I agree with you Ochun Kofa de but what Odu forbids Oni-Chango crowning Olo-Ochun and visa versa? I just think it may be supersition.

Thanks :

Ochun Kofa DeLCO Member

Posts: 62(2/22/03 1:01 pm)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE In Odu Ifa, Ogbe-che ochuns are forbidden to touch the head of Changos.

ODK please note, Raimundo "El Cartero" ocha name is Ochun We (little Ochun). Jesus "Chichon" Torres was an Oriate, maybe it would be correct to write or say Oba Jesus...

Susana Cantero has been called the founder of the lineage "Los Encaje" or "Coral" (aka Casa Coral)because she is one of the first that had her decendants use coral jewerly and finer fabrics. Also, since she was the person that adopted Cabildo Virgen de Regla; it would appear that she was the founder of a Lineage. But she is Ewinyimi. My godfather told me once that during the early 1900's, Cuba was very conservative. There were gays like everywhere else but they were very conservative due to the times. Susana was not willing to crown gays at one time, therefore the anti-gay Santeros imposed their Coral or Encaje lineage onto her. Those decendants of Susana wanted to separate themselves from gay Santeros. But after Timotea Albear - La Tuan dies about 1935 the next dominant Oriate was Octavio Sama - Oba dimeyi who was trained by La Tuan. Susana at this point must not have had much choice but to use Oba dimeyi as Oriate, eventhough he too was gay.

All due respect to all. I too think of Susana Cantero as a great Santera. I just thought it was better to share some history so that we as a community can have better understanding of our roots.

Once again no disrespect intended.

Edited by: Odedei939 at: 8/21/03 1:29 pm

Obalorun Ala AganjuLCO Member

Posts: 107(5/23/03 12:06 pm)Reply Re: OCHA FAMILY TREE Alafia all,

We are all heirs to a rich legacy brought from Ile Lukumi to the Cuban Diaspora.We are therefore much more than the sum of the parts of our Ocha family trees and may very well have connections to several "Rama." And perhaps connections to more than one Cabildo. Think some background on Cablidos would be of interest.

It was also around (1789) that, Bishop Pedro Augustin Morell de Santa Cruz encouraged the captives to form Cofradias (religious brotherhoods), in order to support one another in the practice of the new faith. Cofradias were founded in the name of a particular saint. According to Ortiz, there was religious instruction taking place. But, it was African religious instruction. The heads of the cofradias were Olorisa and the priesthood and holy men and women of other captive African traditions. The "public faces" of the Cofradias were the Cabildos. The Cabildos were church related councils formed in the name of one of the various African ethnicitys being held captive on the Island of Cuba. The names of the Cabildos sound like a whos who of west and central African cultures. There was Cabildo Carabali Abalo, Cabildo Arar Dahom, Cabildo Mina Ashanti, Cabildo Arar Sabalu Africana, Cabildo Arara Cuevano, Cabildo Ganga Arriero (From the area of Guinea and Mali), Cabildo Carabali Ibo, Cabildo Congo Mocongo, Cabildo Mumbala (Congolese), and last but not least Cabildo Africano Lucumi. (An interesting side note: All of the captives received "Christian" names. Even though this was the case many were often still referred to by their ethnic Group or the place they came from. For example: Guillermo Savalu, Damaso Lucumi, Inez Arara, John Mozambique, etc. As far as I know these "sir names" did not survive into the twentieth century).Cabildos were licensed by various municipalities through the church and were headed by both and men and women. It was the Cabildos that met on Sundays to sing and dance; Cabildos which trained, organized, and provided the drummers, singers, dancers and Masqueraders who would take part in the religious festivals; Cabildos which made funeral arrangements and provided the drummers, singers, dancers and Masqueraders for members when they died. Cabildos were mutual self-help "clubs". Members would come together and pool money and other resources to help each other get what needed to be done, done. The leaders of the Cofradias and Cabildos stood as sponsors at the baptism of new converts, thus becoming that persons "Godfather or Godmother," or in Spanish Padrino or Madrina. This was an important function in Cuban slave society. To the Catholic Church and colonial officials, leaders of the Cofradias and Cabildos who stood as sponsors at the baptism of new converts, meant the goal of winning more souls for Holy Mother Church. For the captive Africans baptism meant access to greater freedom within Cuban society and the possibility of obtaining liberty. This marks the beginning of a practice that was necessary in its time and has become the source of conflict and controversy in the post-slavery Lucumi Aborisa world. The Cabildos were fronts for the first Ile Orisa, Houses of Orisa worship, in the Western Hemisphere. In order to be a member of a Cabildo or Cofradia it was necessary to be baptized due to the fact that the Cofradias and Cabildos were church-sponsored and church -monitored organizations. There are many Aborisha today, who still think that a person must be baptized in the Catholic Church in order to become part of this tradition either as an Alejo or an Olorisa. Mention should also be made of the fact that according to Ortiz, Cofradias and Cabildos were an urban phenomenon. The captives, who were enslaved in the countryside, could not and did not form Cofradias and Cabildos as far as I know.

According to my Padrino in Pinado San Jose 80 was the address of the famous Cabildo "Chango Tedun." Which was the home base for many now famous Alagba labga from "The days of Spain." is a Rosala Gramosa, Efunsh Warikond and Latun were members of if not founding members of Cabildo "Chango Tedun." Padrino also told me that Atanda and more than likely Aabi who together made the first ritually correct Bata drums in Cuba were members of Cabildo "Chango Tedun." And I am quite sure that the list on names is legion.

As to my personal history. . .My various parts that in sum make me who I am as an Olorisa and to a large extent as a person:

Oba Ilu Mi was one of the first two African Americans initiated in Cuba. The other was Oseijiman Adefunmi, Oba of Oyotunji Village in Sheldon SC. Christopher Oliana, Oba Ilu Mi was initiated in August 26 1959 in Jovellanos in Matanzas Province, Cuba, by Ogun Yobi, Masemi was his Ojubona.

John Mason, Efun Lade did my 3 month Ebo and got me presented to the "Room."

My Padrino in Obe/Pinado is Gilberto Martinez, Baba Funke, Olo Obatala was initiated in Guanabacoa Cuba July 23 1944. Gilberto Martinez, Baba Funke is the Godson of Raimunda Fonts, Shango Bi, Oni Sango. Consuelo Rodrguez, Okufomito, Consuelo Chantecl, Oni Yemonja of the Rama Pimienta was his Ojubona. Jos Roche, Ochun Kayode, was his Oriate. Jos Roche, Oshn Kayod, is son of Andres "El Sublime" Roche the famous Olu Bata and brother of Pablo Roche, Okilapa, also an Olu Bata and an Olo Obatala.

Maria Justa Cardenas, Olo Oshun De was made in "The time of Spain," by Nina lade la Puente, Oshun Funke was her Ojubona by Nina lade la Puente, Oshun Funke.

Nina lade la Puente, Oshun Funke was made in "The time of Spain" by Latuan. Latuan was born and initiated an Oni Sango and trained as an Oriate in the Egbado region of Ile Lukumi.I do not know who Nina lade la Puente, Oshun Funke's Ojubona was, though her Ojubona may have been Angelito Olodumare. I dont know much any thing more about him other than his "name" and that Padrino frequently mentioned him in connection with Nina lade la Puente, Oshun Funke and Maria Justa Cardenas, Olo Oshun De.

I was presented to Aa of Orlando "Puntilla" Rios, March 19 1991 by Ron "Facundo" Harris, Alayimi, who was made by Lino Apolinar Gonzales (Polo) Ocha Weye. ( I dont know the name of Facundos Ojubona and Gilberto "Abuelo" Martinez, Baba Funke. I received Obe from the hands of Gilberto Martinez, Baba Funke and it was washed by Emilio Antonio Montes De Oca, Olo Osunde, October 21 1996. Gilberto Martinez, Baba Funke received Obe from Magdalena Omi Yomi in 1961, if memory serves me correctly. I dont know who washed it for him. The Oya I received from the hands of Baba Funke Gilberto Martinez, El Abuelo and that my wife's Oya in Kariocha was born from came directly from Jesus "Chichon" Torres, Oya Bi, who was a close friend and mentor of Baba Funke Gilberto Martinez. The Olokun I received from Baba Funke, Gilberto Martinez, is from the line of Omi Toki, Susana Cantero, but I am not sure if it came directly from her. Sangobi, Raimunda Fonts knew her and so did Baba Funke through Sango Bi.If memory serves me correctly, both my Oro Ia and Aina came from Luis El Tabaquero.The Babaluaiye Gilberto Martinez, Baba Funke gave me came directly from Margot San Lazaro, who had Yemonja made, her Ocha name was Tinomi. Her father in Ocha was Babaluaiye (San Lazaro). The Nana Buruku that Gilberto Martinez, Baba Funke gave me came directly from Pilar Fresneda "Pireto," who had Alua made in Arara. She was the most knowledgeable of the Afro-Cuban Creoles in the Arara Rites. Pilar was the child of Arara captives. In the 12 years that I have been the Godson/student of Gilberto Martinez, Baba Funke, he has taught me so very much. I just pray that Olofi maintains us both in good health for at least another 12 years. Because I know that there is so very much more that I want and need to learn.

When we speak of Lagba-Lagba, Oriates that are Araonu and Omo-Koloba; La Tuan is mentioned in these three categories. Timotea Albear Ajayi Lewu, also know as La Tuan, was born in Oyo. La Tuan was crowned with Chango along with her sibling twin who was ordained to Yemaya. She was brought to Havana Cuba during the 1840s and bought out of slavery due to her status. La Tuan joined Cabildo San Jose 80 that was already functioning during the 1840s. In San Jose 80, La Tuan became the mayor Oriate of the Cabildo. After Mama Monserate Gonzalez Oba Tero leaves Havana, La Tuan becomes the undisputed mayor Oriate of Havana.

La Tuan was the presiding Oriate for Rosalia Abreu (last name may be Gramosa) - Efushe Worikondo. Most of our lineages descend from Efushe. La Tuan is partially responsible for bringing the Asiento or Kariocha ceremony procedures, as we know it today, to Cuba. La Tuan is also partially responsible for adjusting the African - Lucumi ceremonies to fit the urban areas of Havana. This adjustment made our religion more attractive to whites, which in turn meant more acceptability throughout the Island. She was able to bring acceptable change to our Lucumi system given the obstacles, limitations and constraints of Cuban society.

La Tuan is responsible for training the first two male Oriates in Cuba; Octavio Sama Oba Dimeyi and Jose Rocha Oshun Kayode. Both men were descendants of Efushe. During her time, La Tuan was able to keep the Lucumi of Havana under strict religious guidelines. They respected her knowledge and wisdom. During the late 1800s to the early 1900s, ordination ceremonies were not as common as they are today.

Her death in 1935 ends an era of our Tradition. Please remember La Tuan in your mojuba.

Maferefun Ajayi Lewu

P.S. if I am in error please rescue me.

baba7311LCO Member

Posts: 8(5/23/03 4:10 pm)Reply Re: La Tuan Bendicin Maria:Can you pleae talk more about Cabildo San Jose 80.Im confuse about it. This cabildo was alredy running when Efunshe came to Cuba? or how can I trace a historical line of this Cabildo.iyawo

According to author Fernando Ortiz,in 1907 less than 10% of the black population of Cuba were Lucumi. Before the 1840's it grew to 30% as the Empire of Oyo fell. San Jose 80 was established before the arrival of Efushe and La Tuan.

When Efushe and La Tuan arrived, they changed the Lucumi system to the way ceremonies were conducted by the royalty of Yorubaland. This is why we wear the crowns and costums on the middle day. This also allowed for these two ladies to basically take over due to knowledge and their royal status.

Un abrazo.

Oba dimeyi

Author Comment Odedei939LCO Member

Posts: 75(5/23/03 11:49 am)Reply Oba Dimeyi Oku O Igboro.

Octavio Sama was born in Matanzas Cuba. His grandfather was a slave who belonged to the estate of a Spanish landowner called Sama. Many of Samas slaves adopted the name Sama after the abolition of slavery. In the later part of the 1800s, Octavio was crowned with Ochun in Manataza. The Santeros of Matanzas did things a little differently than those of Havana; therefore the styles clashed. Octavio had moved to Havana where he meets Rosalia Abreu - Efushe Worikondo and Timotea Albear Ayai La Tuan. Both women did not accept Octavios ordination; therefore Efushe Worikondo crowned him again but this time Chango con oro for Aganyu. La Tuan was the Oriate. During Ita, it was determined that Octavios first ordination was accepted by the Orichas; therefore they named him Oba Dimeji, King with two crowns. Since he was named due to the unique circumstances, I think it is incorrect to name other Iyawos Oba Dimeyi.

Oba Dimeyi was trained by La Tuan and was the first male Oriate of Cuba. What made Oba Dimeyi great was his knowledge in both Havana and Matanzass styles of ordination procedures. Oba Dimeyi is responsible for our two signal Odus used in diloggun divination. Originally the Oriates before him used a single numbered Odu in divination. Oba Dimeyi applied Ifas double numbered Odu divination to Ochas diloggun divination. Also, though not accepted by many, Oba Dimeyi had crowned two persons direct with Dada.

Since Oba Dimeyi was a male Oriate; there was no taboo as to him killing animals of four legs or casting Obi to Eggun. These two functions were preformed by Babalaos or Asheogun when the Oriate was a female. Therefore from the time of Oba Dimeyis functioning as an Oriate, there has been a phasing out of the need for Babalaos and Asheogun to perform these functions as more males dominated the Oriate role. One of Havanas best Oriates, Tomas Romero Ewin Leti, was trained by Oba Dimeyi. He was the only Oriate truly accepted by Oba Dimeyi as an equal.

Oba Dimeyi died in 1944. He is our master of Diloggun. Please remember him in your mojuba.

Maferefun Oba Dimeyi!

P.S. If I am in error please rescue me.

Obalorun Ala AganjuLCO Member

Posts: 108(5/23/03 1:10 pm)Reply Re: Oba Dimeyi Alafia all,

History: from the Latin Historia, from the Greek, histor to inquiry, observation, from histor a learned man.

The World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary offers these definitions of History: 1. History a story or record of important events that happened to a person or nation, usually with an explanation of causes and effects. 2. A known past. 3. All events considered together, course of human affairs: the lessons of history. 4. Recording and explaining past events. 5. The branch of knowledge or study that deals with past events. 6. A statement of what happened

The World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary then went on to offer these commentaries on the word history:

George Simpson, wrote this of history, The oldest and most venerable of the social sciences is history, which is the record the Historian Ranke said of what has actually happened.

But, Thomas Shadwell wrote: How can there be a true history when we can see no man living is able to write truly the history of last week?

This is what I was taught about, Lorenzo Sam Obadimeji: Lorenzo Sam (Or same say Octavio Sama was his name. . I have also seen the name Octavio Samar Rodrigues).lived in the province of Matanzas, were he was made an Ala Aganju direct. He moved to the city of Regla, where he met Latuan, Tata Gaitn, (Eworio Rodriguez) and Obalufadei three famous Olorisa in the greater Havana area. Latuan did not recognize his ordination in Matanzas and demanded that Lorenzo Sam be re-initiated by her. Latuan made an Ala Aganju Oro Sango and gave Sam the Lukumi name Obadimeyi (crowned king two times). Latuan trained Obadimeji as an Olorisa and an Oriate. Nicolas Valentin Angarica, was initiated as an Olorisa and given the name Ob Tola in 1941 by Lorenzo Sama. Angarica was Obadimejis student until Obadimeji died in 1944. I was under the impression that Lorenzo Sam/ Octavio Sama, Octavio Samar Rodrigues Obadimeyi/ Obadimeji had very few Godchildren and Nicolas Valentin Angarica Ob Tola may well have been the one and only.

Of course I too may be in error, . . .Or How can there be a true history when we can see no man living is able to write truly the history of last week? Neither I nor anyone I know was there or know either man.

Reply The passing of Baba Alfred Davis Alafia we are all saddened by the passing of Baba Alfred Davis , omo yemaya Oba Oriate, Godson of the late Baba Edward James , may he rest in peace , he is surely among the elders in the land of Olofi, we will miss him

OshailuSenior LCO Board MemberPosts: 183(8/20/02 5:43 pm)Reply Re: The passing of Baba Alfred Davis We are sorry to hear of the loss of Alfred Davis. May the orisha comfort his friends and family at this time. May Alfred open his eyes open in heaven and care for his loved ones that remain here.

Iba E Baba Alfred Davis

chesmith5LCO Member

Posts: 2(8/20/02 6:07 pm)Reply Re: The passing of Baba Alfred Davis Baba Alfred Davis was an extraordinary person. At my lowest point he helped pick me up. His kind energy will be sorely missed. My prayers go to his family and all those who were touched by his essence.

Omo AwoLCO Member

Posts: 7(8/20/02 7:59 pm)Reply Re: The passing of Baba Alfred Davis Its unforunate to hear about his passing. I'm very surprised to say the least. Was his health fine?? I never head that Baba Alfred was ill.. from what I undertand, he was busy initiating people over the summer and I don't think he would be working if he was ill...

Posts: 24(8/5/02 12:27 pm)Reply 2 Bovedas? I have a big connection with the 7 potencia africans due to my background and ancestors. I always get 7 pricipes and deicate them to la 7 potencia. Now is this fair to the regular egguns i have the boveda for? Should i make another boveda just for the 7 potencia?

Thanks!

Oba OfaLCO Member

Posts: 1(8/5/02 9:19 pm)Reply Re: 2 Bovedas? Bendicion Iworo and a speceial bendicion to Dada Chango... You have a pretty good board here!I have been monitoring for a while now and decided to become a member...Anyway, bovedas as I understand them, came into play in Cuba with spiritism and the Alan Kardec collection of selected prayers used in seyonces by the Cuban people.Really the only true Lukumi or Yoruba representation of the Egun is a decorated cane of the Ceiba tree known as an Igui Araba. This tree ( the Araba tree) is sacred to the Yoruba and Lukumi people.Bovedas are definately worthy of recognition however, they are not really the first thing the Lukumi and Yoruba people used as representation for the Egun. (Ancestors).This cane is kept in a corner seperate from the Igbodu( the room where the Orishas are kept. The shrine is tended to weekly and any reputable Santero can insturuct you on how it needs to be set up and cared for...In essence what I'm saying is you rteally don't even need one boveda just an igui Araba.If you are interested in hearing more about THIS, just leave a post here.Oba Ofa

The Opasiku is what I use. Because I come from a house that deals with Ifa, I use the "firma" I received in awofaka scrawled on a red tile. It is then feed by the babalawo. Santero houses use sticks gathered from particular areas as points of focus during meditation. Constant proper veneration of your shrine will heighten your intuitive senses. The ancestors would be given the food & drink they enjoyed while they were alive. As the food deteriorates the ancestors are said to be "eating". As the drink evaporates, they are "drinking". The boveda is strictly from Kardec Spiritist philosphies.

What elevates one to egun status in traditional african culture revolves around Iwa (character) and if an individual was of a good one. The idea of dying before your children and grandchildren is also another cursor (to my knowledge). But... we're not african... we're puerto rican, dominican, american, etc. A whole lot of other things from other cultures come into play. As a puerto rican, I also have traits that were passed down through taino lineages... "having heart" and spanish... "honor". No matter if a person was considered a "hoodlum" or a saint... I would not forget them.

I really think it depends more on whether or not you WANT to validate their spirit? We all have different tolerance levels and many of us will not necessarily include an ancestor who lived a seedy life because our own personal ethics system does not allow them to be forgiven... even in the afterlife. If they are racist, crazy... or whatever... it all depends on whether or not YOU think they should be remembered.

Seems as this info is more precious than gold or silver!!!!!
ITs a good thing !!!!
We all need to find our place in this vast tree and determine whom the rotten apples are also!!!!
Cordially
hector st john